National Security and Defense
Our all-volunteer military is the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and is the envy of the globe. In Congress, we have a responsibility to provide our defense agencies and soldiers with the resources they need to protect our country and support our allies. Supporting our nation’s military also means that ensuring that the brave men and women of our armed forced receive the support they deserve.
In the 21st century, threats to our nation’s security come in a variety of forms and we must continue to be vigilant against terrorism. In addition to traditional defense measures, cyber-security and bio-defense, including the important work done in Maryland at facilities like Fort Detrick is absolutely essential.
I voted to provide critical funding for defense operations and included a much-deserved 1.8% pay increase for military personnel in the 2014 Defense Appropriations Bill, which also included new initiatives to prevent sexual assault in the military.
During debate of the Defense Appropriations Bill, I offered an amendment to increase funding for Fisher House, which provides free lodging near hospitals for military families when servicemen and veterans are receiving care. My amendment increased funding from $4 million to $20 million and will allow four new Fisher Houses to be built across the country. These new houses are owned and operated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and will allow approximately 2,000 additional military families per year to stay with their heroes in their time of need at the hospital.
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WASHINGTON – The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a report on the inappropriate handling of records at the Baltimore VA Regional Office. According to the OIG report, which was issued July 14, “a supervisor had inappropriately stockpiled about 8,000 documents in an office” and “more than 9,500 documents and 80 claims folders lacked the oversight necessary to ensure timely claims processing and the protection of veteran and employee PII” (Personally Identifiable Information).
WASHINGTON – Today the House passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2015 (H.R. 4870). The legislation includes a measure introduced by Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) to increase funding for Fisher House, which provides free lodging near military and Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities for military families.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) voted for the bill.
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has successfully introduced a measure to increase federal funding for Fisher Houses by $16 million. Fisher Houses are designed to be a “home away from home” for the families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Families stay for free while the patient is receiving care.
WASHINGTON – Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) has introduced a House resolution in support of his constituent, Warren Weinstein. Weinstein was kidnapped by al-Qaeda in Pakistan in 2011, while working for a government contractor. Delaney also spoke on the House floor Tuesday, highlighting Warren’s capture.
WASHINGTON – June 6 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) published an op-ed in the Hagerstown Herald-Mail on the importance of the anniversary and the contributions made by Marylanders at Normandy.
The op-ed can be read online or below:
WASHINGTON – June 6 marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day, when 160,000 Allied troops landed on the French coastline at Normandy, beginning the liberation of Europe.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:
WASHINGTON – Montgomery County resident Warren Weinstein was kidnapped by al-Qaeda in Pakistan in 2011. On December 25, 2013, a video of Weinstein in captivity was released to the media. In January, Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) wrote to President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, urging them to “do everything they can” to bring Warren home.
Congressman Delaney releases the following statement:
WASHINGTON – This evening marks the beginning of Yom Haatzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) releases the following statement:
“Today I join with my colleagues in Congress and my constituents in wishing the people of Israel a happy Independence Day. For 66 years our two countries have been bound together in friendship, respect, and cooperation. For millions of Americans, Israel is more than just an ally, it is their spiritual home.
WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Veterans Employment Center, an online resource for veterans looking for new career opportunities and for employers interested in hiring veterans and transitioning service members. The Veterans Employment Center includes public and private sector job listings, a skills translator and resume builder, as well as a resume bank for employers. On the day of the site launch, there were over 300 listings for jobs in Maryland.
WASHINGTON – Today’s Baltimore Sun includes an op-ed from Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) which calls on the White House to reject the Keystone XL pipeline and increase American natural gas exports. Delaney writes, “The right analytical framework for these decisions has several component questions: what's consistent with our environmental and energy policy objectives, what's in our economic self-interest, and what serves our geopolitical goals. Keystone fails each of these tests, while increasing natural gas exports passes them all.”